If you have an iPhone, you’ll find a new Lens option that lets you select and search what’s on your screen within Chrome or the Google app.
In Chrome, this feature can be accessed through the three-dot menu by selecting "Search Screen with Google Lens."
In the coming months, Google will also introduce a Lens icon in the address bar.
Google is making it easier to search for things directly from your screen with a new Google Lens update for iPhones. This feature, similar to Android’s circle to search, allows users to perform visual searches without taking a screenshot or opening a new tab. Whether you’re reading an article, shopping online, or watching a video, you can now search instantly using simple gestures like drawing, highlighting, or tapping on the screen.
“If you have an iPhone, you’ll find a new Lens option that lets you select and search what’s on your screen within Chrome or the Google app, using whatever gesture comes naturally,” Google announced in a blogpost.
In Chrome, this feature can be accessed through the three-dot menu by selecting “Search Screen with Google Lens.” In the coming months, Google will also introduce a Lens icon in the address bar, making it even easier to use, just like on Chrome for desktops.
Also read: Google faces $12.4 mn fine in Indonesia, here’s why
The same functionality is available in the Google app for iOS. By tapping the three-dot menu and selecting “Search this Screen,” users can highlight or tap on anything they want to search. This update eliminates the need for extra steps, allowing for a seamless search experience without leaving the current app.
Google Lens has been identifying objects like plants, products, and landmarks for years. Now, with advanced AI models, it can analyze and provide information on more unique and unfamiliar images. Instead of requiring users to type a question, AI Overviews will now appear more often in Lens results, offering detailed explanations automatically.
Also read: Google accused of using Claude in Gemini AI testing without consent, the company responds
For example, if you see a car with an unusual texture on its hood and want to know more about it, you can tap the camera icon in the Search bar, snap a photo with Lens, and receive an AI Overview with insights and relevant web links.
This update is rolling out this week for English-language users in regions where AI Overviews are supported. It will first be available on the Google app for Android and iOS, followed by Chrome for desktop and mobile devices.
Follow Us
Ayushi Jain
Tech news writer by day, BGMI player by night. Combining my passion for tech and gaming to bring you the latest in both worlds. View Full Profile
